Perth’s location on the southwestern coast of Australia makes it a prime spot for boat tours and cruises. The city’s stunning riverfront, proximity to wildlife-rich marine parks, and access to scenic islands mean there’s no shortage of options to enjoy the water. Whether you’re into sampling local wines on a Swan River wine cruise, spotting humpback whales, or exploring Rottnest Island’s white beaches, Perth offers memorable experiences on the water. For example, the Swan Valley Wine Cruise combines relaxation, history, and wine tasting—what’s not to like? Or, if wildlife and marine life are your thing, the Whale Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour is a must. Whatever your style, there’s something to suit every traveler.
Quick Overview
Perth’s boat tour options span full-day wine cruises, scenic river cruises, wine tastings combined with coach tours, wildlife cruises, and island ferries. Some tours, like the Swan Valley Wine Cruise, highlight local wines paired with food and entertainment. Others, like the Rottnest Island ferry, are perfect for independent explorers. Wildlife lovers should check out the Whale Watching Cruise, while those seeking a relaxing evening may enjoy the Swan River Dinner Cruise. Below, we explore each option to help you decide which is best for your trip.
1. Swan Valley Wine Cruise
At number 1, the Swan Valley Wine Cruise offers a full day of relaxation on the water combined with tastings from one of Australia’s top wine regions. Starting and ending in Perth, this 7-hour tour includes a downstream cruise along the Swan River, with panoramic views and engaging narration about the area’s history and geography. The highlight is a visit to Mandoon Estate, where you can enjoy a wine tasting paired with macarons, browsing the estate’s shops. The boat features a shared platter lunch, wine tastings, and live entertainment on the return trip.
Guests praise the tour for its balance of cruising, wine tasting, and entertainment, with a typical 5/5 rating. The experience offers an authentic taste of Western Australian wines with stunning river views. It’s perfect for wine lovers wanting a leisurely full-day experience that combines scenic cruising with wine tastings and great food. The inclusion of dessert and live entertainment makes it a memorable way to spend a day. The price of around $135 is reasonable considering the full itinerary, especially for those who love wine and scenic cruising.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, all-in-one wine and river experience with excellent reviews and beautiful scenery.
2. Perth: Swan River Lunch Cruise
Second on the list, the Swan River Lunch Cruise offers a shorter, 2.5-hour cruise during which you’ll enjoy a seasonal buffet lunch while cruising past Perth’s waterfront. This tour is perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a delicious meal without a full day on the water. As the boat glides past impressive waterfront homes, yacht clubs, and historic Fremantle, you’ll hear engaging commentary from the captain.
From the deck, you’ll see Fremantle’s docks, marinas, and heritage buildings, making it an excellent way to get a snapshot of the region’s maritime charm. The reviews highlight the friendly staff and the scenic views, making this a popular choice for couples and families in a hurry. At $86, it’s a more affordable, shorter option that still delivers the essential Perth river experience with good value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lunch and sightseeing in a shorter, relaxed cruise with excellent reviews and a focus on scenery and good food.
3. Swan River Scenic Cruise
With a 2 hour 45 minute duration, the Swan River Scenic Cruise offers a leisurely way to see Perth’s top sights from the water. Departing from the city, the cruise takes you past landmarks like the Bell Tower, Kings Park, and Fremantle Harbour. The live commentary enriches the experience, providing historical context and pointing out notable buildings and neighborhoods.
The reviews speak highly of the friendly staff and the ample photo opportunities. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a relaxed, guided river tour without committing to a full day. The ticket price of around $41 makes it a budget-friendly way to see the city from a new perspective and learn about Perth’s various waterfront attractions.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, informative cruise suited for first-timers wanting to enjoy iconic city sights from the water.
4. Swan River Dinner Cruise
Number 4 is the elegant Swan River Dinner Cruise, a 2.5-hour evening voyage. This tour combines sightseeing with a buffet dinner and live entertainment. As the city lights come on, you’ll cruise past Perth’s skyline, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a dinner cruise.
Guests love the quality of the buffet, the friendly crew, and the atmospheric setting. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a romantic way to unwind after a busy day. The ticket price is around $102, making it a good value considering the dinner, entertainment, and scenic views. It’s a perfect choice for a special night out on the water.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those looking for an romantic dinner experience with great food and city views.
5. Swan River Lunch Cruise
This Swan River Lunch Cruise provides a 2 hour 45 minute opportunity to enjoy hot dishes, salads, and desserts while cruising. Departing from Perth, you’ll see Perth’s waterfront suburbs, Fremantle, and yacht clubs. The live commentary offers insights into the area’s history and landmarks, making it both a scenic and educational experience.
Guests appreciate the relaxed vibe and the generous buffet, with some reviews noting the friendly staff and good value for money at $88. It’s suitable for those who want a laid-back, informal lunch with plenty of photo opportunities of the riverfront and a comfortable onboard atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Great for a relaxed, scenic lunch cruise with good food and commentary.
6. One way or Return Sightseeing Cruise between Perth and Fremantle
This scenic cruise is ideal for travelers wanting a quick but scenic water transfer. Running approximately 75 minutes, it offers spectacular views of Perth’s skyline, Kings Park, Swan Brewery, and Fremantle’s harbor. It’s a perfect, no-fuss way to get between the two cities while enjoying the water.
Reviews praise its peaceful pace and informative commentary. The flexible departure times make it convenient, and at just over $30, it’s an economical option. It’s especially suited for those combining a cruise with a day exploring Fremantle or Perth.
Bottom Line: Best for a quick scenic transfer and sightseeing between Perth and Fremantle on a budget.
7. Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise
Number 7 offers a full 8-hour day exploring Rottnest Island, famous for its quokkas and white beaches. The highlight is the high-speed ferry from Perth and a wildlife cruise that looks for dolphins, seals, and sea birds. After the cruise, you’re free to rent a bike or swim off the beaches.
Guests love the mix of adventure and independence, with the boat ride providing a thrilling way to see marine life. The adventure cruise is what makes this tour stand out, offering a chance to see dolphins and seals close up. The trip costs about $111, which is good value considering the full day of fun and wildlife sightings.
Bottom Line: Suitable for active travelers eager for wildlife encounters and island exploration.
8. From Perth: Swan Valley Cruise, Winery, Cheese & Lunch
Number 8 is a full-day tour combining a Swan River cruise with visits to local wineries and cheese tastings. Starting in Perth, it includes a premium wine tasting onboard, followed by a coach tour to two Swan Valley wineries and a cheese showroom, with lunch included.
Guests rave about the combination of scenic cruising and wine tasting, with prices around $155. The guide’s commentary and the opportunity to taste Western Australian wines, cheese, and beer make this an excellent option for wine aficionados. It’s best suited for those wanting an all-in-one day that combines water, wine, and regional foods.
Bottom Line: Well-rounded, full-day experience perfect for wine lovers wanting both scenic views and tastings.
9. From Perth or Fremantle: Swan River One-Way or Return Cruise
This flexible Swan River cruise offers scenic, relaxed water travel between Perth and Fremantle. Duration ranges from 75 minutes to 5.5 hours, depending on your choice, with live commentary highlighting landmarks like Kings Park and the mansions lining the river.
Reviews mention its peaceful atmosphere and great opportunity for sightseeing. The ticket price of about $30 makes it an economical choice. It’s perfect for those who want to combine a scenic cruise with their exploration of either city, especially if you prefer a calm, guided experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for flexible, scenic transport with sightseeing benefits.
10. Perth: Swan River Dinner Cruise
The Swan River Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour evening cruise with buffet dinner and live music. You’ll see Perth’s sights illuminated at night, with the city skyline glowing as you dine onboard. It’s suited for romantic occasions or those wanting a relaxed, atmospheric end to their day.
Guests appreciate the good quality buffet and the chance to enjoy Perth’s skyline from the water. For about $99, it’s a solid value considering the scenic views, dinner, and entertainment. It’s best booked early, especially during peak seasons.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a romantic night out or a special celebration with excellent food and city views.
11. Swan Valley River Cruise and Wine Tasting Day Trip from Perth
Number 11 combines a river cruise with guided wine, cheese, and beer tastings in Swan Valley. The 7-hour trip begins with a 2-hour morning cruise and continues with visits to Windy Creek Estate and Garbin Estate Wines, as well as a brewery and chocolate showroom.
Rated highly for its value and comprehensive itinerary, guests enjoy the mix of cruising, wine tasting, and sightseeing. The guide’s commentary is praised for being informative and engaging. For about $135, it’s a full day that appeals to food and drink lovers keen to explore the region’s flavors.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a full immersion in Swan Valley’s food scene, combined with scenic cruising.
12. Perth: Whale Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour
Number 12 is a seasonal whale watching tour during humpback migration. The 2 to 4-hour cruise on a fully-licensed catamaran includes live commentary from a marine biologist. It’s a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see the majestic whales in their natural habitat.
Reviews highlight the comfort of the boat and the educational value of the commentary. It’s priced at $49, making it an affordable wildlife experience. Best during migration season, it suits those interested in marine life and natural encounters.
Bottom Line: A great pick for wildlife lovers and those interested in marine biology, especially during whale migration seasons.
13. Rottnest Island Roundtrip Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour
Number 13 offers a full-day trip to Rottnest Island, famous for its quokkas and beaches. The fast ferry ride takes just 40 minutes, making it easy to explore independently. You can hire bikes, visit Wadjemup Lighthouse, or relax on the beaches.
Reviews mention the fun of spotting quokkas and the efficiency of the ferry service. For around $62, it’s a practical way to see the island without guided tours, ideal for independent travelers and families. Keep in mind some reviews mention choppy rides, so seasickness medication might be wise.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent explorers wanting flexible island time and the chance to see quokkas.
14. Perth: Dolphin, Sealion & Wildlife Cruise with Lunch
This 1-hour wildlife cruise includes sightings of dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and more in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. After the cruise, you enjoy lunch at Pengo’s Cafe. It’s a compact, family-friendly option that combines wildlife viewing with a quick cruise.
Reviews highlight the opportunity to see Australian sea lions lounging on Seal Island. At $53, it’s an affordable, engaging experience that’s perfect for families or wildlife enthusiasts looking for a short, impactful trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an accessible, wildlife-focused adventure with lunch included.
15. Margaret River Day Tour With Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting
Finally, the Margaret River Day Tour offers a 12- to 13-hour excursion. It includes a wildlife cruise to see dolphins, seals, and penguins, plus visits to Busselton Jetty, Canal Rocks, and renowned wineries.
Rated perfect 5/5, travelers rave about the variety, from wildlife sightings to coastal scenery and wine regions. The full itinerary makes it suitable for those wanting a comprehensive day out, especially if you enjoy both natural beauty and regional wines. The price of around $166 makes it a premium experience, but well worth it for a full-day adventure.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a full immersion into Western Australia’s coastline, wildlife, and wine—all in one day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in Perth
When selecting your ideal boat experience, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a relaxed, wine-focused day, the Swan Valley Wine Cruise offers excellent value with its combination of cruising, tastings, and entertainment. If wildlife is your priority, the Whale Watching Cruise or the Wildlife Cruise with Lunch are unmatched for their natural encounters. For those with limited time, shorter options like the Fremantle to Perth sightseeing cruise provide scenic views without the commitment.
Booking early is advisable during peak seasons or holidays, especially for popular excursions like the Rottnest Island ferries or the full-day wine tours. Think about whether you want a guided experience, a solo adventure, or a special dinner cruise—each offers a different flavor of Perth’s maritime charm.
Perth’s water-based tours truly showcase the region’s diverse natural beauty and vibrant lifestyle. From sipping local wines on the Swan River to spotting whales and exploring islands, these excursions provide unforgettable ways to experience Western Australia’s coast. Whether you’re into wildlife, food, or scenic cruising, planning ahead will ensure you make the most of your time on the water. Don’t forget to book early—these popular trips fill up fast.